Preview: Dempo SC-Mohun Bagan

It will be a keen contest on cards as Karim Bencherifa’s Mohun Bagan will lock horns with Armando Colaco’s Dempo SC at the PJN stadium, Margao on Wednesday in an exciting Round VIII of I-League

Mohun Bagan, who has not lost a game in their last 5 matches, will be fresh from a draw against Mumbai FC. Karim Bencherifa, their new coach considers it as a challenge to play Dempo in their own backyard but is hopeful of pulling an upset “Dempo is a good consistent set team and it is always a challenge to play them, but we will be trying our best” said the coach.

On the other hand, Dempo will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record against Mohun Bagan. The mariners have not won against Dempo since 2009 with 5-0 being their worst defeat against the Goans in November last year.

Armando Colaco

Coach Armando is expected to retain the same line-up as against the match with Air India. Rohan Rickets is expected to partner Seuoka upfront while Valerino Rebello may be in the starting eleven. Koko Sakibo has been ruled out due to an injury while it remains to be seen if Joaquim Abranches can replace him as an attacking midfielder.

“I hope the boys play well, create chances and score. The boys this season have not played to their full potential, I hope they regroup and come out very good tomorrow.” said Armando

Ryuji Seuoka, who has flourished under Armando Colaco this season has scored 6 goals in the tournament and is seen to be competing for the second top scorer of I league this season along with Odafa Okolie who also has as many number of goals.

Karim Bencherifa will have his task cut out in selecting the team, “There are Injuries to some of the main players” says the coach as it is reported that Syed Rahim Nabi, Anyichie, Mehraj & Manish Maithani have been nursing injuries.

“I have just joined the team and unfortunately we had to travel Pune and then to Goa, so I had less time with the team on the field.” While the defense remains one of his problems, Tolgay Ozbey too won’t be available to partner Odafa Okolie upfront.

Dempo SC is currently perched on the second spot with 16 points from 7 matches; closely followed by Churchill Bros. Mohun Bagan are placed 5th in the table with 11 points from equal number of games. The kick off will be at 7 pm with the match being telecast live on TEN Action+